Mersea Mount

Standing stones and earthworks mark what archaeologists believe was once a Bronze Age barrow on this windswept spot near West Mersea. The mount itself isn't much to look at - a grassy mound that most people would walk past without a second glance. But that's rather the point with these ancient burial sites.

History buffs will appreciate the significance more than casual visitors. This is one of those places where you need to use your imagination to picture Bronze Age people conducting burial rituals here over 3,000 years ago. The views across the Blackwater Estuary are lovely on a clear day, which probably explains why our ancestors chose this elevated position.

Families staying at nearby holiday parks like Waldegraves or West Mersea might find it a decent leg-stretch if they're already exploring Mersea Island, but don't expect to spend more than 20 minutes here. It's free to visit and accessible year-round, though the exposed position means it can be properly bleak in winter.

The site works best as part of a wider exploration of Mersea Island rather than a destination in itself. Combine it with a trip to West Mersea's oyster bars or the island's beaches for a more rounded day out. Colchester, just a short drive away, offers far more substantial historical attractions if archaeology is your thing.